Bark! The science of helping your anxious, fearful, or reactive dog

Zazie Todd

Book - 2024

"Compassionate, practical, and rooted in science, Bark! helps dog owners understand the many factors that might be causing fear within your dog, and how you can help them lead a safe and happy life."--

Saved in:
1 copy ordered
Subjects
Published
Vancouver ; Berkeley ; London : Greystone Books 2024.
Language
English
Main Author
Zazie Todd (author)
Item Description
Includes index.
Physical Description
pages cm
Issued also in electronic format
ISBN
9781778401367
  • Foreword
  • How to Use This Book
  • Part 1. How to Start Making a Difference Right Away
  • 1. Understanding Your Fearful Dog
  • 2. Fearful Fido: Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Dogs
  • 3. Safety (for You and Your Dog)
  • 4. Why Is My Dog Afraid?
  • 5. Training a Fearful Dog
  • 6. Exercise and Enrichment T05
  • 7. Understanding the Role of Medications
  • Part 2. How to Manage Your Dog's Specific Fears
  • 8. Social Wallflowers and Bashful Beasties: When Your Dog Fears People or Other Dogs
  • 9. Thumps, Bumps, and Bangs: When Your Dog Fears Loud Noises
  • 10. Needles and Thermometers: When Your Dog Fears the Vet
  • 11. "Don't Leave Me!": When Your Dog Is Afraid of Being Alone
  • 12. "Grrr, Keep Away From My Stuff!": When Your Dog Is Afraid of Losing Their Things
  • 13. Turning, Turning: When Your Dog's Anxiety Leads to Dysfunctional Repetitive Behaviors
  • Part 3. How and Where to Get Help
  • 14. Getting Help
  • 15. Fearful Fido No More
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • Index
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Companion Animal Psychology blogger Todd (Wag) explores how to help skittish canines cope with their anxieties in this solid manual. Explaining that fearfulness in dogs is likely caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, she cites research that found 10 genetic markers associated with heightened anxiety in dogs, and that puppies who aren't exposed to many people before they're 14 weeks old are more likely to fear strangers as adults. The guidance largely revolves around using "counterconditioning" and exposure therapy to disrupt negative associations with fear-inducing stimuli. For instance, Todd recommends that owners of dogs who are afraid of other dogs might feed them "yummy treats whenever they spot another dog" or set up playdates where they can spend time around a more relaxed canine. For dogs with separation anxiety, Todd suggests owners start by leaving their dogs alone for "very short absences and gradually build up to longer ones." For those fearful of going to the vet, owners can schedule "happy visits" during which dogs explore the facilities and meet office personnel while receiving lots of treats. The focus on positive reinforcement doesn't break new ground, but Todd's specific suggestions on implementing the technique are helpful. Owners of anxious dogs will find this a salve. Photos. (Oct.)

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